Spain is the new FIFA World Cup champion after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, capping off a dominant tournament run with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 105th minute. The victory gives Spain its second World Cup title, its first since 2010, and confirms the arrival of a new golden generation led by 19-year-old Lamine Yamal.

The first half offered few clear chances, with an early shot from Yamal and another from Mikel Oyarzabal the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock before the break. Spain took firmer control as the match wore on, finishing with 20 shots on goal to Argentina's none — a striking gap for a World Cup final. Coach Luis de la Fuente's side wore down the reigning champions physically, with Argentina losing Enzo Fernández to a red card before extra time was through.

Torres' winner arrived after Argentina had already been reduced to chasing the game, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish fans who packed the stadium. It was a fitting cap to a tournament in which Spain conceded just once, and it secured the Spanish federation's second star to go alongside the one won in South Africa 2010.

The final also carried unusual historical weight: it was the first World Cup final between two Spanish-speaking nations since 1930, the year of the tournament's very first edition. The only previous World Cup meeting between the two sides had gone to Argentina, 2-1, back in 1966. England, meanwhile, claimed third place after edging France 6-4 in a high-scoring match in Miami.

For Spain, the title closes a tournament built on control, depth and youth, with de la Fuente's men rarely troubled defensively throughout the competition. For Argentina, it means a runner-up finish after arriving as defending champions from Qatar 2022 — a tournament that, results aside, will be remembered as much for what it meant to Lionel Messi as for the trophy Spain now takes home.